Two Studies of a Male Torso

Two Studies of a Male Torso is a foundational early drawing by Eugène Delacroix, executed in graphite during the critical years of 1818-1820. This drawing exemplifies the rigorous academic training required of aspiring history painters in the early nineteenth century. The simple medium of graphite on paper allows Delacroix to focus intently on contour, volume, and anatomical precision, skills he honed while studying the nude—or académie—likely during his formative years in the Paris studio of Pierre-Narcisse Guérin.

The sheet features two distinct representations of the male figure, demonstrating the artist’s effort to master the human form from multiple angles. The study on the left presents a torso captured in a powerful, twisting motion, highlighting the tension and interplay of the shoulder and pectoral muscles. In contrast, the second study offers a more frontal, perhaps preparatory, view, allowing Delacroix to meticulously articulate the definition of the abdomen and ribcage through precise hatching and nuanced shading.

These studies were essential stepping stones in the development of Delacroix, providing the anatomical knowledge and mastery of line that would later inform the expressive movement and passion characterizing his mature Romantic masterpieces. Although focused on classical modeling, the energetic handling of the line subtly hints at the dramatic flair that would soon define his style.

This significant work is preserved in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The drawing remains a vital reference for understanding the artist’s progression, and high-quality fine art prints derived from the original are sought after by collectors. Through the efforts of institutions, digital assets relating to this foundational piece often enter the public domain, ensuring that Delacroix’s early efforts in draftsmanship continue to educate and inspire contemporary artists and scholars worldwide.